Kevin Keller: Welcome to Riverdale

I never really read Archie comics much when I was the target demographic, but I had to read this one, just because. Sappy and predictable and typically Archie, but I really enjoyed it.

I'd forgotten what a happy happy world Riverdale was. This was a definitely mood lifter. And I love Kevin and his supportive family and all of his supportive Riverdale friends.

I finally met Kevin Keller, and I like him. As much as any resident of Riverdale USA can be, Kevin is a pretty realistic teenager - he's got a family who loves him, but who he doesn't always get along with, friends who respect him, even when they're being snarky or gossipy, and a diversity of interests, from surfing to eating to shopping to acting to sci-fi to boys.

Kevin's gay, and while that facet of his personality does manage to find its way into every storyline - this is still Archie's world, where dating and romance figure large in the lives of these teens - his sexual orientation doesn't usually take top billing or become overwrought or preachy. He's just a kid trying to make it in these crazy comic times. He's a klutz, kind of forgetful, and juggling responsibilities and interests can be tough, and get a bit hectic at times, regardless of who you think is cute. After all, Kevin is the Class President, a lifeguard, and a world traveler. He's also dedicated to his friends and family, and stands up for the people he likes and respects. He's a good fit for Archie and friends, and his adventures and personality stand up to the time-tested favorites like Betty and Veronica, Moose, Dilton, Reggie and the rest of the gang. Was Jughead always such a jerk, though? I don't know that I would have loved him so as a kid if he was so mean back then...